RE: Piston Damage
PropTop,
I also believe the relationship is true in some cases... The causal affect is one-way, i.e. bearing damage shrapnel will score the sleeve/piston, but the thin flakes of nickel are unlikely to make the rear bearing 'go south'...
...But I have seen enough junked bearings in OS engines, in which the P+S were immaculate.
Bearing replacement was the only repair necessary.
I wish you luck, Plugin... NSK should good.